Hearing loss often starts quietly and occurs when a person struggles to hear sounds at 20 decibels (dB) or better in both ears. It can range from mild to profound, affecting one or both ears and making speech or loud sounds hard to hear. Hearing loss is often linked to aging or loud noises, but everyday habits and environments also contribute to gradual damage. Let’s explore some lesser-known contributors to hearing loss.
5 Surprising Causes of Hearing Loss You Might Be Ignoring
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Naman Bajaj
3.24.25
1. Poor Ear Hygiene
Neglecting ear hygiene or overcleaning can both harm your ears. Wax buildup can block sound, while using cotton swabs to clean the ear may push wax deeper or damage the eardrum. The American Academy of Otolaryngology explains that earwax helps protect the ear and often clears itself naturally, so excessive cleaning can cause more harm than good. ENT specialists recommend cleaning only the outer ear and allowing natural wax removal. For safe cleaning, use ear drops or consult a professional.
2. Chronic Exposure to Low-Level Noise
Did you know that constant exposure to everyday noise, like traffic or the hum of an office, can actually damage your hearing over time? The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that even sounds below 85 decibels can cause hearing loss if you're exposed to them long enough. In fact, recent studies show that 1 in 3 Americans are regularly around noise levels above 70 decibels, which is considered excessive. So, next time you’re in a noisy spot, grab those noise-canceling headphones or pop in some earplugs to protect your ears!
3. Frequent Use of Power Tools or Appliances
Your household tools might be more dangerous to your ears than you think! Lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners, and blenders can all produce sounds that are louder than what’s considered safe. For example, lawnmowers can reach around 85 decibels, vacuum cleaners can hit about 75, and blenders can go up to 90. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) suggests using ear protection if you’re around noise like this for extended periods. So next time you’re tackling those chores, don’t forget to protect your hearing!
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4. Swimming or Frequent Water Exposure
Repeated exposure to water can increase the risk of swimmer’s ear and other ear infections. Swimmer’s ear, caused by water trapped in the outer ear canal, creates a moist environment where bacteria thrive. This leads to bacterial infections. To prevent these issues, dry your ears thoroughly after swimming and using earplugs to block water from entering the ear canal.
5. Smoking and Secondhand Smoke
Did you know smoking could be putting your hearing at risk? Research shows that smoking can mess with blood flow to your inner ear, and secondhand smoke can raise the chances of ear infections, especially in kids. In fact, smokers are nearly 1.7 times more likely to experience hearing loss compared to non-smokers. So, it’s just another reason to quit — your ears will thank you!
Hearing loss is often preventable. Stay mindful of your habits, use protective measures, and address medical concerns early.